At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineering apprentices with hands-on activities in mechanical manufacturing and fabrication.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a top UK university known for excellence in teaching and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, a local pension scheme, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team making a real impact in engineering education and innovation.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in milling, turning, welding, and a strong focus on safety required.
- Other info: This role partners with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd and may require future security clearance.
The predicted salary is between 31814 - 35750 £ per year.
Senior Technician – Mechanical Engineering (0478-24) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning. Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation have a vital part they play in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Technical colleagues support a wide range of specialist resources across the College of Science and Engineering. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, workshops and controlled environments. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIOT) and the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA).
As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.
Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence.
About the Role
You will support and develop practical related activities for the engineering technician apprenticeship scheme. Working across level 3, level 4 and level 6 programs within the newly created Nuclear Skills Academy with a particular emphasis on mechanical manufacturing, welding and fabrication including milling, turning and CNC work.
Working closely with academics and members of technical team you will provide specialist support relating to machine shop activities. Working across several laboratories with a high degree of autonomy, and providing additional technical support across the academy as required.
You will be part of our technical team responsible for the maintenance, operation and safety of college equipment. Able to provide full technical support to apprentice students and staff including training and advice on the appropriate use of resources.
This role is employed by University of Derby but works in partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd. Due to the nature of work that Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets, some roles within the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA) require post-holders to hold a Security Check (SC) clearance.
This role does not currently require SC clearance, and this will not be a condition of appointment to this role. However, please be aware that there may be a future requirement for the successful candidate/s to undertake a SC check should any change in circumstances render this necessary due to development of the NSA over the coming years.
About You
We are looking for a practical and safety-focused professional with hands-on experience in milling/turning, welding, and fabrication techniques. The ideal candidate will have a strong awareness of Health and Safety standards and be skilled in preparing, maintaining, and repairing equipment and resources effectively.
You should be confident in demonstrating tasks and processes to individuals and small groups, with excellent face-to-face communication skills. The role requires a proactive team player who can contribute positively to the team while effectively managing their workload to meet deadlines and targets with minimal supervision.
If you are organised and a strong communicator, we would love to hear from you!
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Discounted access to Devonshire Spa
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Cheryl Harris, Technical Team Leader via
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The post for which you are applying is exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 requiring any spent convictions to be declared. Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.
Closing Date: 02 Feb 2025
Area: Technical Support
Salary: £31,814 to £35,750 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,113 per annum)
Senior Technician - Mechanical Engineering (0478-24) - Derby, DE22 1GB employer: University of Derby
Contact Detail:
University of Derby Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technician - Mechanical Engineering (0478-24) - Derby, DE22 1GB
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific machinery and techniques mentioned in the job description, such as milling, turning, welding, and CNC work. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in a technical support role, especially in an educational or apprenticeship setting. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to student learning and safety in past positions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills by providing examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in previous roles. The job emphasizes collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to work well within a team will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the University of Derby and its Technical Services department. Understanding their values, mission, and recent projects can help you tailor your conversation during the interview and show that you're aligned with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technician - Mechanical Engineering (0478-24) - Derby, DE22 1GB
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Technician position. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the importance of practical work in the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your hands-on experience with milling, turning, welding, and fabrication techniques. Provide specific examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since excellent face-to-face communication is crucial for this role, include examples in your application that showcase your ability to effectively communicate technical information to individuals and groups.
Showcase Teamwork and Autonomy: Illustrate your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Mention any experiences where you successfully managed your workload with minimal supervision while contributing positively to team goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience in milling, turning, welding, and fabrication techniques. Highlight specific projects or tasks where you successfully applied these skills, as this role emphasizes practical knowledge.
✨Emphasize Safety Awareness
Since the position requires a strong awareness of Health and Safety standards, be ready to talk about how you've implemented safety protocols in previous roles. Share examples of how you ensured a safe working environment for yourself and others.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
This role involves training and advising apprentice students and staff. Prepare to showcase your face-to-face communication skills by discussing how you've effectively conveyed complex information in past experiences.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
As a proactive team player, it's important to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've contributed positively to a team, managed workloads, and met deadlines with minimal supervision.